Recent ruminations from LUPEC Boston, as originally published in this week’s Dig.

by Pink Lady

This time of year occasionally makes the ladies of LUPEC a little sad as the cold winter settles in without the parties and festivities of the holiday season to look forward to. At times like these we need to refocus on the little things, like delightful hot cocktails on a snowy winter’s day. A favorite among these is Hot Buttered Rum.

Butter + hot drinks is a tradition that dates back to the days of Henry the VIII, when buttered beer or ale was recommended as a remedy for hoarseness. Where and when spirits entered the equation is unclear, and by the pre-Prohibition Golden Age of cocktails, most imbibers eschewed this delightful buttery treat for Hot Scotch. A few still swore by it as we continue to today.

Hot Buttered Rum is even celebrated with it’s own National Holiday, January 17. We’re not sure who declared it but it certainly gives us something to look forward to on such cold, dark days. This recipe is a favorite of our pal Adam Lantheaume, proprietor of The Boston Shaker in Davis Square.

In a preheated coffee mug, combine 2 heaping tablespoons of batter with 1 1/2 ounces of rum. Top with boiling water and stir well to mix. Serve with a spoon.

Hot Buttered Rum Batter:

1 lb light brown sugar

1/2 lb unsalted butter (softened)

2 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp ground allspice

2 tsp vanilla extract

In a mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract and spices until well combined. Refrigerate in an airtight reusable container for up to a month, or place in the freezer until ready to use.

If you can, make the batter in advance so the spices have an opportunity to get to know each other. Be sure to remove batter from refrigerator at least 6 hours prior to serving to allow it to soften.